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Trek 464 got underway as planned on the 26th August but unfortunately due to all the work attached to getting the Kokoda Challenge Race underway, my staff did not create anything on this trek and being busy myself it went un-noticed. My sincere aplogies to both Billo and Walter but I will try and make up for it now.
This trek included two guys all the way from America, namely Billo (Michael) Comola and Walter Davis.
Both trekkers were picked up from the Gateway Hotel and driven out to Bomana War Cemetery by myself in my Toyota Prado.
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IMGP5426__Small_.JPGThe previous night I was asked if I knew the whereabouts of the area where 'Blamey' made his speech to his troops. I replied I did'nt know the spot but I would try and find out.
Up at Sogeri on the way to Owers' Corner I made some enquiries and found a local guy who offered to show me the way. This was the first time we had been asked this question and not from an Australian but an American!
The photographs below show the area where Billo and Walter walked in off the road to the place where he stood at Sogeri.
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IMGP5428__Small_.JPGLater we back tracked to the road that led to Owers' Corner and we stopped again where the photograph below was taken.
IMGP5429__Small_.JPGThe photographs below were taken at Owers' Corner shortly before they walked down their first hill.
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IMGP5434___600_size.jpgPhotographs below were taken shortly before they headed down to Goldie River:
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IMGP5438___600_size.jpgBoth Walter and Billo were really fast walkers and our boys thoroughly enjoyed walking with them. When I saw Billo (Michael) for the very first time I could not help but think of Damon Goerke, the fastest international competitor in our Kokoda Challenge yearly event as he had really strong long legs just like Damon.
When Damon was up at Owers' Corner on the morning of his race, I had one young PNG guy comment to me… "he has legs like a tree' !
Thanks guys for coming all the way from the states to walk with us as it was very much appreciated by us all. We trust you enjoyed your walk and the company of our boys and that you went back home with happy memories.
Kokoda_Logo_300_size.jpgHowdy,
Just a note to say we arrived home last night after our "great adventure", not the least of which was the Kokoda trek. Thorougly enjoyed every drop of sweat we left behind – and each screaming muscle. We begain missing the beauty the moment the plane was airborne.
We would like to thank Gail for her untiring efforts, the wonderful dinner surprise and of course the extra effort to get Walt and I to Blamey's "Rabitt" field. Billo rounded the Kokoda trip with a visit to the MacArther headquarters and office in Brisbane.
We left PNG in awe of those Australian and PNG gentlemen whos combined sacrifices, provide us with those freedoms we all enjoy today. They were truly the foundation of our "greatest generation".
Please pass on both Walt and my best regards to Chrisley, Johnny, Bobbie, Davidson and Lauren. Those gentlemen are awesome in all regards. We can assure you, whatever their pay, it is not nearly enough. They represented KTL well in their actions and deeds every step of the way and raised to the occasion repeatedly irregardless of how demanding, or naive, either Walt or my requests may have been. Each of them, in either of our opinions, is equalified to serve as guides. In addition, they worked extremely well as a team.
We cannot visualize a better one! One final point; We need to personally say thank you to Chrisley for turning on a dime and joining us as guide for the trek. Absolutely no one could have faulted him for not commencing this second trip over the Kokoda- immediately upon completing his prior trek at Goldie river – But he did, and his historical knowledge of events, locations, dates, both Japanesse and Australian, added immeasureably to our education. I sincerely hope you will pass along both Walt and my best regards and thanks to him.
On a closing note, the hospilitality of the Eroro families in opening their homes to us, the delicious food and everyones friendliness will long be a treasured memory.
Best regards to all and thanks for the memorable experience
Billo Comola & Walter Davis
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